IHKECTORY TO BIRDS OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 11 



A.. Grl^EBES. Podicipides. 



Water birds with short bodies, medium long necks, and 

 short wings which are concealed by the feathers of the sides 

 and back when folded. Expert divers, but do not use the 



wings under water. Possess 

 the power of sinking slowly 

 beneath the surface. Head, 

 rather large and carried well 

 back over the body as the bird 

 swims, fig 1, Bill, more or less 

 pointed, figs. 4, 5, 6. Space in 

 front of eye, naked. Feathers, 

 especially beneath, not close- 

 ly constructed, and fringed with hair-like terminations ; these 

 peculiar feathers retain the air in their interspaces when the 

 bird dives, thus keeping the plumage dry; when it emerges 

 the water which clings to the outer surface is thrown off by 

 the agitation of the hair-like fringes, much as in the musk- 

 rat and other aquatic mam- 

 mals, fig. 2. Tail, absent. 

 Feet, with lobed toes* nails, 

 flattened, fig. 3. Walk, or ev- 

 en run for a short distance, by 

 making a special effort, but 

 rise in flight from the water 

 only. Flight, direct, neck 

 and head, outstretched ; feet, 

 extended behind ; wing-beats 

 rapid. Nests, of matted vege- 

 tation, placed in reedy ponds, 

 never on dry land, and are 

 quite often floating ; eggs, 6-8, 



greenish covered with a white ^' barbule ; B, tip of feather, enlarged. 



incrustation. Young, downy, streaked and mottled with 

 whitish and dark brown, slowly assuming the adult dress; 

 active when hatched, swimming with their parents. Food^ 

 vegetable matter (often fresh water algae), insects, and small 



